• Ellie Vondy, aged 30, hopes to skipper the ferry after
completing marine apprenticeship
• She is aiming to be the first woman at the helm in the ferry's
800-year history
• Continuing the excellent approach to inclusivity which saw
Mersey Ferries crowned Diversity Champion at the Mersey Maritime
Industry Awards
• Ellie said: “It's exciting to think I could be the first.”
A Liverpool woman is on course to make local maritime history by
becoming the first female captain of the iconic Mersey Ferry.
Apprentice Ellie Vondy, 30, from Anfield, is training to take the
helm of the world-famous Mersey Ferry, ushering in a new chapter
to a tradition dating back more than 800 years.
A qualified diver and marine biologist, Ellie began a three-year
marine apprenticeship last year and now works onboard the vessel
while studying part-time at Fleetwood Marine College.
When qualified, she will serve as Officer of the Watch (Near
Coastal), working as First Mate, before completing a further
year's training to gain her captain's licence.
Ellie was recruited in September 2025 and is working towards the
top job alongside fellow marine apprentices Chris Oulton and Leah
Rogers.
Mayor of Liverpool City
Region said:
“The Ferry ‘Cross the Mersey is an icon of our region, and
Ellie's story shows how we're breaking down barriers that for
centuries felt unmovable.
“It will be an incredibly proud moment for everyone associated
with the ferries when the first female captain takes the helm,
after 800 years in operation.
“This is why backing apprenticeships and investing in people is
so important - we're opening doors not just for people starting
out in their career, but for the trailblazers of the future.”
Ellie said:
“Working on something so iconic has been amazing – I didn't know
what to expect. It is like joining a little family as there are
people who have been working here for years.
“When I was younger, I spent days out with family by the sea,
places like New Brighton and West Kirby. After I left school, I
studied marine biology and project management, so I've learned a
lot about the marine environment and spent a lot of time out on
boats doing research projects, and I basically realized that I
just enjoyed being out on the water more than sitting at a
computer all day doing research. When I saw this job come up, I
just applied for it.
“It's so exciting to think I could be the first woman to captain
the Mersey Ferry. I'm a Liverpool girl and the ferry is part of
the city's heartbeat so if I am I just hope I do women justice.”
By investing in apprenticeships that allow staff to learn new
skills whilst staying in their current roles, Mersey Ferries is
building future talent from within, strengthening the brand and
supporting long term succession planning.
Mersey Ferries is set to unveil the first new vessel in 60 years
when the new £26m Royal Daffodil comes into service later this
year.
The new ferry is designed to offer a world-class experience to
both everyday passengers and eventgoers thanks to large, open
plan decks and smaller, more intimate event spaces for corporate
functions and private parties, alongside new regular seasonal
cruises.
